Tennessee Faces Off Against Duke in Top College Basketball Clash
The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team, currently ranked No. 18/17, will host the No. 6/5 Duke Blue Devils in a highly anticipated preseason exhibition. This matchup takes place at the Food City Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2 or stream it via the ESPN app.
Tennessee vs. Duke: A Historical Rivalry
This game marks an important encounter in the historical series between the Volunteers and the Blue Devils. They have faced each other 16 times since their first meeting in 1910-11, with both teams winning eight matches each. Tennessee has won three of the last five encounters, including their most recent clash in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 on March 18, 2023, where they secured a comfortable 65-52 victory.
Both teams have shown exceptional performance in recent years. After posting a remarkable 35-4 record and winning the ACC championship, Duke is favored to win the ACC again this season. Tennessee is coming off a stellar 2024-25 season, where they achieved a 30-win milestone and reached the Elite Eight.
Key Players and Statistics
- Duke: Leading returning scorer Isaiah Evans averaged 6.8 points per game.
- Tennessee: The Volunteers’ historic 30 wins last season included a program-record 10 victories against AP top-25 teams.
- UT is 87-19 in exhibition games, with a domestic record of 65-12 in Knoxville.
Recent Performance Highlights
Tennessee’s success includes being in the AP top-12 for the entire season and ranking fifth in the AP Poll, as well as completing another successful run in the KenPom analytics rankings, finishing fifth with an adjusted efficiency rating of +30.93. Their recent streak of wins against top-ranked opponents has solidified their reputation as a formidable competitor in college basketball.
Preseason Outlook
In the 2025 season, Tennessee is expected to contend seriously for the SEC title, having been voted third in the preseason poll by media members. This marks their fourth consecutive year in the top three, underlining their consistent performance within the conference.
The Volunteers’ head coach, Rick Barnes, leads active Division I coaches with 836 career wins, placing him ninth on the all-time list. His ability to guide his team effectively has contributed significantly to Tennessee’s recent winning ways.
As Tennessee prepares for this exciting season, fans are eager to see how they will perform against the Blue Devils and throughout the year. Both teams aim to not only win separate championships but also to solidify their legacies in college basketball history.
